Fifita cleared but Sharks face shortage

Andrew Fifita has been cleared of a serious knee injury, but Cronulla still face a serious forwards shortage ahead of Friday's NRL clash with Penrith.

Fifita on Saturday confirmed he had not suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the Sharks' loss to St George Illawarra, but he, Paul Gallen, Wade Graham and Luke Lewis might still be sidelined.

Gallen, due for scans on Saturday night, has already conceded he'll miss "a few weeks" with what he believes to be medial strain.

It will mark the first time Gallen, 36, has sat out a game for the Sharks since 2016.

Fellow co-captain Graham will likely spend time on the sidelines, despite remaining upbeat on Saturday over the severity of hamstring injury.

Lewis has been cleared of a serious knee injury, but might also be in doubt for the Penrith clash, having limped off after a late knee clash.

The Sharks at least had some good news on Saturday, with prop Matt Prior avoiding suspension for a high tackle on Dragons prop James Graham.

Prior had ben hit with a grade-one charge for the shot on the Englishman but can accept a fine of $1350 from the match review committee.